Apply for the USA Spouse Visa (IR1/CR1) in 2026: Requirements, Cost & Step-by-Step Process
The USA Spouse Visa (IR1/CR1) allows the married partner of a US citizen or Green Card holder to immigrate to the United States and become a permanent resident. This guide provides the exact steps, financial requirements, costs, processing times, and how to avoid common delays. Follow this process to reunite with your spouse in America.
Check Your Eligibility for the USA Spouse Visa 2026
You qualify if:
- You are legally married to a US citizen or Green Card holder.
- Your marriage is recognized in the jurisdiction where it took place.
- You have a genuine relationship, not entered into for immigration purposes.
- Your US sponsor meets the minimum income requirement (125% above Federal Poverty Guidelines) .
- You meet health and character requirements.
No English language test or prior cohabitation is required for this visa.
USA Spouse Visa Financial Requirements 2026:
Your US sponsor must prove income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size.
| Household Size | Minimum Annual Income Required (2026 Estimate) |
| 2 persons | $22,000 – $23,000 |
| 3 persons | $27,000 – $28,000 |
| 4 persons | $33,000 – $34,000 |
| 5 persons | $39,000 – $40,000 |
Accepted Income Sources:
| Source | Requirement |
| Employment Income | Current job, IRS tax transcripts, recent pay stubs |
| Self-Employment | Tax returns, profit/loss statements |
| Cash Savings | Assets convertible to cash within 12 months |
| Joint Sponsor | A second person can co-sponsor if primary sponsor’s income is insufficient |
If income falls below the threshold, a joint sponsor (family member or friend) who is a US citizen or Green Card holder can combine their income to meet the requirement.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the USA Spouse Visa
Stage 1: Petition (Form I-130)
Your US citizen or Green Card holder spouse files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS.
- Filing Fee: $535
- Processing Time: 10-14 months
- Required Evidence:
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of US citizenship or Green Card (sponsor)
- Proof of bona fide marriage (joint accounts, photos, affidavits, children’s birth certificates)
- Passport-style photos
Stage 2: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once the I-130 is approved, your case is sent to the NVC. You will:
- Pay the Affidavit of Support fee ($120) and Visa Application fee ($325) .
- Submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) showing your sponsor meets income requirements.
- Submit Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application) .
- Upload civil documents:
- Birth certificates
- Police certificates from all countries lived in since age 16
- Medical examination results (from approved panel physician)
- Passport photos
NVC Processing Time: 2-4 weeks (if documents are complete).
Stage 3: Interview at US Embassy/Consulate
Your case is scheduled for an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country.
You will attend with:
- Valid passport
- Interview confirmation letter
- Original civil documents
- Medical examination results (sealed envelope)
- Additional relationship evidence
Interview Outcome:
- Approved: Visa issued within 1-2 weeks.
- Administrative Processing: Additional 4-8 weeks.
- Refused: You will receive a reason and may reapply or appeal.
USA Spouse Visa Types: CR1 vs IR1
| Visa Type | Duration of Marriage at Approval | Green Card Validity |
| CR1 (Conditional) | Less than 2 years | 2 years (conditional) |
| IR1 (Immediate Relative) | More than 2 years | 10 years (permanent) |
CR1 holders must file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions) within 90 days of the 2-year anniversary of receiving Green Card.
Total USA Spouse Visa Cost 2026
| Fee | Amount |
| I-130 Petition | $535 |
| Affidavit of Support (I-864) | $120 |
| Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260) | $325 |
| Medical Examination | $200 – $500 (varies by country) |
| Police Certificates | Varies by country |
| Translation Costs | $30 – $80 per document |
| Approximate Total | $1,500 – $2,000+ |
Does not include legal fees, travel to interview, or courier services.
What Rights Does a USA Spouse Visa Give You?
Upon entering the US with your CR1/IR1 visa, you:
- Become a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) immediately upon entry.
- Can work in any job without needing a separate work permit.
- Can travel freely in and out of the US.
- Can apply for US citizenship after 3 years (if married to and living with the same US citizen spouse).
USA Spouse Visa vs Fiancé Visa (K-1): Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Spouse Visa (CR1/IR1) | Fiancé Visa (K-1) |
| Marriage Timing | Already married | Must marry within 90 days of arrival |
| Green Card | Received upon entry | Must apply after marriage (additional fee, processing time) |
| Work Rights | ✅ Immediate upon entry | ❌ Must apply for work permit after arrival |
| Travel Rights | ✅ Immediate upon entry | ❌ Cannot travel until Green Card received |
| Processing Time | 14-18 months | 10-14 months |
| Total Cost | Lower | Higher (visa + adjustment of status) |
| Best For | Couples already married | Couples wanting to marry in US quickly |
For most married couples, the Spouse Visa (CR1/IR1) is cheaper, faster to permanent residence, and provides immediate work and travel rights.
Clear Next Steps
- Your US spouse files Form I-130 online with USCIS today. This starts the clock.
- Gather your marriage evidence: certificate, photos, joint accounts, affidavits.
- Your US spouse prepares tax transcripts and pay stubs to prove income.
- Collect your civil documents: birth certificate, police certificates, passport.
- Begin medical preparation by locating an approved panel physician in your country.
FAQ: USA Spouse Visa 2026:
Q: How long does the USA Spouse Visa take?
A: Total processing time is typically 14-18 months from I-130 filing to visa issuance. This varies by service center and embassy workload.
Q: Can I visit my spouse in the US while the visa is processed?
A: You may apply for a visitor visa, but you must demonstrate strong ties to your home country and intent to return. Visitor visa refusal is common during spousal petition processing.
Q: What if my spouse’s income is below the poverty guideline?
A: You may use a joint sponsor (any US citizen or Green Card holder willing to accept financial responsibility) or combine assets to meet the requirement.
Q: Do we need to hire a lawyer?
A: No. The USA Spouse Visa process is designed for self-petition. However, if your case is complex (previous immigration violations, criminal history, prior marriages), legal representation is strongly recommended.
Q: What happens if our visa is refused?
A: Common refusal grounds include insufficient income, inadequate relationship evidence, or ineligibility under immigration law. You may reapply or appeal depending on the refusal basis.
Q: Can my Green Card holder spouse petition for me?
A: Yes. However, there is an annual cap and wait times for spouses of Green Card holders from countries with high demand (Mexico, Philippines, India). Check the current Visa Bulletin for priority dates.
Q: What medical conditions disqualify me?
A: Only communicable diseases of public health significance (active tuberculosis, untreated syphilis, etc.) or failure to complete required vaccinations. HIV is no longer a ground of inadmissibility.
Your USA Spouse Visa application begins with one action: your US spouse filing Form I-130 online today. Do not wait. Every month of delay adds to your separation.
Start the petition now and gather your evidence while it processes.